Chihuahua 101: Chihuahua Allergies

Any allergen like dust, pollen, cigarette smoke or even perfume can act as triggers to Chihuahua allergies and cause these alarming, but usually not life-threatening, breathing problems.
The noises of Chihuahua allergies are quite alarming and varied. If you have never heard them before, talk to friends who have Chihuahuas, Chihuahua breeders or call your vet who is familiar with Chihuahua care. The noises will sound like the dog is choking, suffering a case of emphysema or asthma. When any dog gets excited, they breathe faster. They need more oxygen, but can't get it. This happens to other breeds of toy dogs like Pugs, Pekingese and Boston Terriers.
But the Chihuahua's short nose cannot bring in enough air that he or she needs in order to cope with excitement like strangers, squirrels or stray cats. These sounds are really aggravated by Chihuahua allergies that can cause the pharynx to spasm. If you can get your Chihuahua to calm down, they will breathe deeper and slower and the noises will tend to stop. Expect your Chihuahua to snore like…like a Chihuahua.
Signs to look out for include the tongue tuning blue, fainting or seizures. These are emergencies that need to be dealt with right away! The vet will need to examine and possible X-ray your dog in order to be sure there isn't anything like a growth that may be completely cutting off air. But Chihuahua care for Chihuahua allergies is usually not so dramatic. The attacks usually go away on his or her own when the dog calms down.
Getting the Chihuahua to calm down is usually the best (and only) way of dealing with breathing attacks. Distract the dog with play or petting, but don't make too much of a fuss. But smoking can really aggravate Chihuahua allergies and make the attacks stronger and more frequent. And smoking can also cut down your life expectancy, too! If you ever needed the inspiration to stop smoking, a Chihuahua can give you one.

About the Author
Sandra Dean has grown up with and trained a variety of dogs, including caring for Chihuahua allergies. This author has published hundreds of articles on dogs, including several on Chihuahua care. This author has also written extensively about how to choose a vet for your Chihuahua. Published At: www.Isnare.com Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=241369&ca=Pets  Article Tags: allergies, chihuahua, dog Read more articles by: Sandra A Dean Article published on April 06, 2008 at Isnare.com